Big Fish, Big Money, Big Fun in Orange Beach

May 18, 2018

A summer packed with great events is one of the many reasons the Alabama Gulf Coast is a popular vacation destination. Besides the beautiful beaches, there are events that offer days of entertainment, and the Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is one of them. The “Greatest Show in Sportfishing” is returning to The Wharf in Orange Beach, July 10-15.

Billfish Week is full of great events at The Wharf in Orange Beach. Angler festivities begin July 10 with the Crew Fest Party and Triple Crown Challenge Fighting Chair Contest. The kickoff party for sponsors and participants takes place on July 11, along with the Wharf Street Party, Billfish Boat Show and Miss Billfish Contest. On July 12, boats depart The Wharf and the Billfish Boat Parade takes place on the Intracoastal Waterway.

On Friday, July 13, Sponsor Village opens along with the Billfish Boat Show. The Weigh-In-Spectacular, Opening Ceremonies kick off and Tournament Weigh-In begin at 4pm and continue through 7pm Tournament hosts, activities and weigh-ins resume on Saturday, July 14 until the Announcement of the Tournament Champions at 10pm.

Excitement and thrills fills the air when the “big one” is raised up for weigh-in at Marlin Circle at The Wharf. Supporters from all over gather at The Blue Marlin Grand Championship in hopes of seeing the next record breaker.

The emcees for the tournament entertain the audience and keep everyone up-to-date with information happening on the boats offshore. Hosts, Jim Cox and Kelly Jones Finley, keep everyone on the edge of their seats and their excitement is contagious. Cox, Master of Ceremony, is a regular contributor to The Beach Is Calling Blog and an expert on this event championship.

The Blue Marlin Grand Championship of the Gulf is the final leg of the Gulf Coast Triple Crown Series. The tournament has contributed well over $100,000 to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.